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If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]
If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
Home › Forums › Nurse Nettie › STI testing
What does STI testing involve? It sounds like its really invasive. How often should I be tested?
@Caiti –
Before @Nurse_Nettie joins the conversation, you should start here: https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/testing/what-are-the-tests-like You’ll also find a link to find out where to get tested.
@Caiti Great questions! If you don’t have any symptoms, a full sexual health screen only requires a urine sample, a blood test and in some cases, a throat swab and an anal or vaginal swab that can be self-collected. You don’t even need to get undressed! Thanks to @MsBlueStreak for the link to everything you need to know about STI tests!
How often should you get tested?? Depends!
You should test as soon as possible if:
You should test once a year if:
You should test 3-6 monthly if:
Of course these are broad guidelines, to find out what’s right for you, best to talk to your doctor or sexual health service!